The city of Billings, Montana, is in Yellowstone Valley which the Yellowstone River has carved out of the rock over thousands of years. Five miles south of downtown lie the iconic Pictograph Caves, containing more than two thousand years old ancestral paintings. Coulson was the first railroad town established in the Yellowstone Valley in 1877 by settlers from Montana Territory's Gallatin Valley area. Residents believed it would become the hub for the railroads, but this was not the case because the railroad had a claim to only a small portion of Coulson, and it was not a prosperous endeavor. So, the town of Billings was established in 1882. Billings gets its name from Fredrick H. Billings, the Northern Pacific Railway president. Although the railway was the initial reason for prosperity in Billings, it was the cattle and irrigation industries that continued its progress. In just a couple of months, the town’s population grew to two thousand people and then exploded over the next two decades and reached 10,031 in 1910. The "Magic City," Billings, became the nation's sixth fastest-growing community. Due to the developments in the oil, coal, and natural gas industries in the early twentieth century, Billings was ranked number one in the energy department. Billings continued to grow and thrive and was recognized as the region's major cultural, medical, and financial center after World War II. During the 1970s to 80s, high-rise buildings became the skyline of downtown Billings, and interstate highway networks facilitated further development. From the 1990s onwards, Billings exploded with shopping malls and office parks, banks and other official buildings, restaurants, recreational centers, and about every opportunity imaginable. Although the recession harshly impacted the city, it remains the center of economic growth in Montana.

With so many things to do in this bustling city, you will be spoiled for choice. But, there are a few favorites that need to be on the top of your list:

Craft Local: The perfect spot for art, music, brews, and wine. Come and show your support and appreciation to local artists, musicians, and brewers as they turn on their charm for you.

Moss Mansion: Participate in the fun, educational tour around this gorgeous 1903 home of P.B. Moss and his family. On this fascinating exploration, you will see exhibits and artifacts original to the house and family during their lifetimes.

Yellowstone National Park: Yellowstone harbors fantastic wildlife like the famous grizzly bears, elusive elk, and impressive bison and wolves. And if you are a feathered friend fan, then there are over three hundred varied species of birds for you to enjoy, including the bald eagle. With beautiful camping areas and miles of hiking trails, Yellowstone National Park is an entire experience!